Memphis International Airport will increase fees on Uber and Lyft starting March 1.

The airport will begin charging $2 a transaction for both pickups and drop-offs, after previously charging only for pickups.

The increase is expected to generate an extra $120,000 a year in revenue. It will coincide with relocation of Uber and Lyft to new pickup/dropoff locations outside the terminal ticketing level.

The airport also will use a third-party contractor to monitor and collect the fees.

“What they’ve found is, by using this outside company, instead of relying upon Uber and Lyft to provide the reports to us and then paying, that there’s anywhere between a 15 and 25 percent increase in revenues because they’re being audited,” airport authority chief financial officer Forrest Artz said.

Uber and Lyft use smartphone apps to connect passengers with private vehicle operators. They employ technology called a geofence to determine when a mobile device enters or leaves the airport area.

Officials said the usage fee on taxicabs, $2 for a pickup, will remain unchanged.

The change on Uber and Lyft, but not taxis, reflects an industry standard that recognizes the different business models of cabs versus Uber and Lyft, airport spokesman Glen Thomas said. Cab companies typically have to schedule drivers to be at the airport at agreed-upon times, while Uber and Lyft drivers have more independence and flexibility about whether to accept a ride, Thomas said.

The increase comes at a time when Uber and Lyft are gaining popularity among air travelers.

Uber and Lyft traffic grew nearly 84 percent at the airport last year over 2016. In 2½ years, they have eclipsed taxis as means of getting to and from the Memphis airport.

Airport revenues from the two companies was up 58.3 percent in January over a year earlier, while taxi revenues were up 16.6 percent.

Uber and Lyft have been picking up and dropping off passengers on the outer commercial drive of the airport’s lower, baggage level.

Starting March 1 they’ll move to points on the outer commercial drive outside A, B and C ticket lobbies. The area outside B lobby includes a shelter that was built with the idea of adding valet service.

Officials said new signs will go up to alert passengers and drivers to the Uber and Lyft areas. They said the airport is working with the companies to ensure that the change is noted on the apps.